2022 World Cup playoffs: Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo says there is pressure on Black Stars and Super Eagles ahead of first leg tie

Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo has disclosed that there is pressure on both the Black Stars and Super Eagles ahead of 2022 FIFA World Cup final play-offs first leg tie.

The Black Stars endured a torrid 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, exiting in the  group stage in Cameroon after failing to win any of their group stage matches including an embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Comoros.

Nigeria, meanwhile, put in a mixed showing at the AFCON in Cameroon, topping a tough group with wins over Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau, but lost 1-0 to Tunisia to exit at the round of 16.

The two West African countries will face each other over two legs scheduled for Friday, March 25, and Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

"We know Ghana is a good team, we know the rivalry between the two countries,  We have been working hard and looking forward to the game." Ighalo said.

"There is pressure on Ghanaians the same way there is pressure on us. We have to qualify for the word cup, we have to be there. With what happened at the AFCON there is a little bit pressure on the team but we know we are capable of doing it."

The winner of the tie will represent the continent at the World football showpiece which is scheduled to take place from November 21 to December 18.

The Super Eagles are seeking to qualify for the global showpiece a 7th time and, since 1994, have missed only one of seven editions. The last of three appearances by Ghana was in 2014.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved Ghana’s request to admit 40,000 spectators for the first leg match against Nigeria at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

This comes after the Ghana Football Association's request to play the game in a full capacity stadium following the laid-down rules by CAF.